Two Ilocos Sur police officers were charged with the murder of the 15-year-old girl who reported one of them for acts of lasciviousness, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed Sunday.
The Ilocos Sur provincial prosecutor filed charges on Friday against Police Staff Sergeants Randy Ramos and Marawi Torda who both served at the San Juan Municipal Police Station.
Earlier, the 15-year-old victim filed a complaint against Torda for alleged acts of lasciviousness, while Ramos was facing rape charges by the victim’s 18-year-old cousin.
Both police suspects were placed under the restrictive custody at the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office in Bantay town as they awaited further investigation.
According to the Cabugao Municipal Police Station, the two girls had violated the municipal curfew ordinance. Both were arrested and were allegedly drunk when the policemen preyed on them, but the 15-year-old victim was able to escape.
The PNP chief, Police Gen. Archie Gamboa, said he wanted the two suspects to face the harshest penalty.
“They are not men in uniform but animals who deserve to be jailed for life. Walang awa, walang puso, walang kwentang pulis,” he said.
Gamboa instructed the Police Regional Office 1 to provide strict security to the 18-year-old victim and her family.
He also told all PNP prosecution witnesses to show up in court proceedings to speed up the trial as well as administrative procedures. RJ Espartinez